Sueno's Stone
Standing Stone In Elgin, Scotland
A massive 7m high Pictish standing stone, decorated with early medieval carvings and protected by a glass canopy.
Love this place? Become its champion with a short message, memory, dedication, or local business mention and share your connection to somewhere special.
Support the Fabulous North and champion this place for:
Usually £10
Just off the A96 to the north-east of Forres is the most amazing Pictish stone that I have ever seen. The two lovely ladies I met on my visit give a sense of the stone's size.
We came across Sueno's Stone on our way between Elgin Cathedral and the Clava Cairns. When I spotted it on the map, I couldn't resist a visit.
The 7m-high cross slab is the largest Pictish stone in Scotland. It sits behind a large protective glass canopy in the most unusual of places, surrounded by houses. The stone is intricately carved with the battle scenes and Christian symbols.
Archaeologists have carbon-dated the site and suggested that it was active from the late 800s.
The western side of the stone is carved with a large round-headed Celtic cross with its shaft filled with intricate spiral knots. Below the cross are two male figures with two smaller figures in the background, all around a central figure. Could this be the crowning of a king, or maybe a pictorial representation of the story of David and Goliath?
The eastern side of the stone appears to tell the story of a battle. The top of the stone depicts horsemen with a leader arriving for battle. The central section shows the scene of battle with men fighting on foot, followed by a defeated stronghold with several headless corpses. The bottom shows a group of the defeated horsemen fleeing.
There are additional carvings on the narrow north and south sides of the stone, some of which show figures within a vine scroll, signifying the Christian ritual of the taking of communion wine during Mass.
Sueno's Stone is a large slab of grey sandstone,which measures 7m high, 1.2m wide and 40cm thick. It has appeared on maps in its current position dating back to at least 1590.
It was initially thought to have lain flat on the ground. However, the worn top of the stone would suggest long exposure in an upright position. It is thought to be in its original location.
Sueno's Stone was named in the 1720s and is thought to be associated with the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard. However, the stone existed before his time.
There are some very helpful information boards next to the stone.
Sueno's Stone is designated a Scheduled Monument by Historic Environment Scotland.
Get 2 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 2 VIPs.
Login to bag this placeHow To Find Sueno's Stone
Where To Park For Sueno's Stone?
There is parking for a few cars next to the stone.
Contributed by Lorraine London
I have been a keen hill walker for many years and more recently enjoy trig bagging. When I'm not exploring Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire, I spend most of my holidays in bonny Scotland. Other than hills, I love investigating ruinous buildings and waterfalls. I have been a member of NT and EH for years, which also gives me access to Historic Environment Scotland places.
More Places from Lorraine
More Places In Elgin
Find more fabulous places in Elgin, Scotland and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.
Duffus Castle
Castle Elgin ScotlandAn early 12th century Motte & Bailey Castle in a beautiful spot near Elgin.
Biblical Garden Elgin
Garden Elgin ScotlandA beautiful garden that brings to life parables from the Bible, in the heart of Elgin, next to the Cathedral.
Rothes Castle
Castle Elgin ScotlandThe scant remains of a 13th century castle, located on a hill above Rothes.
More Standing Stones
So this standing stone wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.
Acomb Little Man
Standing Stone Acomb NorthumberlandA Romano British stone, thought to be from the 2nd or 3rd century, only discovered in the 1970s when the river swelled and revealed his cheery disposition at Waters Meet near Acomb.
Robert Loraine Monument
Standing Stone Bolam NorthumberlandA monument to Robert Loraine, who was brutally murdered by Border Reivers in Kirkhale.
Duachy Standing Stones
Standing Stone Oban ScotlandThree prehistoric standing stones overlooking Dubh Loch.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To Alerts
Find Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupSueno's Stone was listed in Standing Stone // Scotland // Elgin